Chủ Nhật, 20 tháng 7, 2014

Libyan Militias Break Airport Ceasefire

“The airport was attacked this morning with mortar rounds, rockets, and tank fire. It was the most intense bombardment so far,” an airport security official told AFP.

Salafi militias began their assault last Sunday when fighters from the Misrata militia attempted to oust Zintan forces from Tripoli’s airport. Misrata and Zintan represent two of many ex-rebel armed militias who helped to overthrow Moammar Gaddafi in 2011, but now fight among each other – and with the central government in Tripoli – to control territory and resources throughout the country.

The ongoing violence has caused extensive damage to planes and the airport itself. Aviation experts say the damage will keep the airport closed for months.